The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is currently proceeding through the House of Lords, with the bill including plans to cut school uniform costs for families.
Why are School Uniforms Expensive?
According to statutory guidance from the government, “schools should keep branded items to a minimum and limit their use to low cost or long-lasting items.”
However, many schools still require specific branded items as part of their uniform policy, which can create a financial burden for families, especially those with multiple children, or who are already struggling financially.
School uniforms also can be expensive due to the constant cost of replacements. Children grow quickly and can also often easily wear out items like shoes quite quickly.
Financial Pressures
The Education Hub found that half of parents felt concerned about the cost of uniforms, with 12% saying they have been in financial hardship as a result.
According to a survey by Wynsors in 2024, 9% of parents have accepted loans or gifts from other family members to help pay for school uniforms.
Branded Items
A government survey found that 1 in 5 schools have increased the number of branded items required over the past year, despite the government guidance about these branded items. It also found that parents are paying an average of £442 on their child’s secondary school uniform and £343 for primary school.
Currently, 24% of primary and 70% of secondary schools require 5 or more branded items, with some parents reporting that they were asked to provide 10 or more branded items.
What Will the New Bill Do?
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was introduced in Parliament on 17th December 2024. Part of this bill is to prevent schools from requiring parents to buy more than 3 branded items as part of the school uniform.
Secondary and middle schools will be allowed to require an additional branded item if one of those items is a branded tie. These items are to be limited to low-cost and long-wearing items only.
Government analysis suggests that the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will reduce uniform costs by over £70 million for families across the UK. Savings will vary depending on uniform supplier, but parents of pupils at schools who have to remove at least one item will save an average of £14 per primary school pupil and £19 per secondary school pupil. You can read the current version of the bill here.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:
“Looking smart at school shouldn’t cost the earth, and no parent should be forced to choose between buying family essentials and a school shirt or tie.
Alongside our free breakfast clubs, these new laws will save parents hundreds of pounds a year, and make sure family finances have no bearing on children’s time at school.
This bill is about keeping children safe, saving parents money and bringing every school up to the standard of the best, so we can break down barriers to opportunity and deliver our Plan for Change.”